Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 03900
Engine No. 0009729
Transmission No. 874 E
The Ferrari Dino 246 GT in its late "E-Series" form represented the
final, most refined chapter of the Dino lineage. Produced from
mid-1971 to 1974, the E-series saw incremental upgrades such as
Weber 40 DCNF/13 carburetors (compared to the F/7 units on earlier
series) improving top speed, revised final gearing and fuel system
for smoother power delivery, reshaped front apron ducts, and a
redesigned dashboard.
At the 1972 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari unveiled the 246 GTS
variant, answering calls for an open-air driving experience while
maintaining the elegant proportions of Pininfarina's original
design. Production of the GTS began on the E-Series platform in
early 1972 and continued until its conclusion in 1974, with just
1,274 GTS examples built compared to 1,431 GTs. Among them, there
existed several differences between the home-market examples and
those produced for the United States. European-delivery GTS models
carried a higher power output and less weight than U.S. versions,
with the Euro-market 2.4-liter V6 producing about 195?horsepower,
versus roughly 175?horsepower for U.S.-market cars equipped with
emissions controls. European cars were also distinguished by their
flush-mounted front turn signals.
According to research by marque historian Matthias Bartz, this 246
GTS-chassis number 03900-was completed by Scaglietti on 20 April
1972, finished in the vibrant combination of Giallo Fly (Fly
Yellow) over a Nero (Black) vinyl interior. The car was equipped
from the factory with desirable power windows-a rare addition on
European-delivery examples. As such an early GTS example, it
benefits from all the technical improvements implemented in
previous series but retains the arguably more attractive L- and
M-Series front bumpers which wrap around into the grille.
Chassis 03900 was dispatched to Ferrari's French distributor,
Charles Pozzi SA in Paris, where it found its first owner, a Mr.
Daniel Rouveyran. The Dino remained in France until making its way
to the United States in the early 1980s, belonging to a caretaker
in Pennsylvania. In 1996, the car passed to Eddie Karam, also of
Pennsylvania, who would maintain custody for an impressive 25 years
until 2021.
That year, the car joined a new caretaker in Ohio who invested in a
comprehensive mechanical refurbishment. The work, which was
completed in 2021 and 2022, reportedly included the installation of
a new starter, camshaft cover gaskets, new Michelin XWX tires,
upgraded door speakers, and a period-correct Becker Europa AM/FM
radio. The carburetors were completely rebuilt, valves adjusted,
and the alloy Cromodora wheels were professionally refinished.
Additional work included paintwork on the rear deck lid and fascia,
ceramic coating of the paintwork, rebuilding of wheel cylinders,
and the installation of new brake hoses.
This exceptional level of care has continued since its acquisition
in 2022 by the current owner-a Los Angeles-based collector of
European Sportscars-evidenced by a $24,016 investment at Gran
Turismo of Los Angeles in May of 2024. This comprehensive program
addressed virtually every system of the car, beginning with
meticulous engine bay work including installation of a new fuel
pump, oil filter, brake master cylinder, and numerous gaskets and
seals, while the cooling system was completely overhauled with
radiator repair/re-coring and new hoses. Also noteworthy was the
complete restoration of the steering column switch assembly,
addressing plastic components suffering from age-related cracking
by remolding them in non-shrinking acrylic plastic, with metal
components being electroplated in silver zinc and clear-coated.
The undercarriage received equal attention with fabrication and
installation of new aluminum belly covers, proper riveting, and
protection in the form of POR-15 coating, while fuel system
components were renewed throughout, the electrical system was
thoroughly inspected and improved with new MSD ignition components,
and countless small details were addressed to bring the car to
exemplary mechanical condition. Most recently, in preparation for
the sale, the specialists at I Am Detailing carried out a
comprehensive detailing of the car, including a careful paint
correction and a dry ice cleaning revealing many factory finishes.
This exceptional 246 GTS is offered following its recent extensive
service program as one of the finest examples available today.
According to Bartz's research and report on file, chassis 03900
retains its original, matching-numbers 2.4-liter Tipo 135CS V6
engine (number 0009729) and five-speed transaxle (number 874 E),
cloaked in its timeless original Giallo Fly and Nero livery. With
its major mechanical refurbishment now complete, the fortunate new
owner need only lift the targa top, turn the key, and revel in the
pure, sonorous V6 exhaust note from the open cabin.
